Pennsylvania Chapter Trip To Sorrento And Rome Thursday, October 4, 2007 through Thursday, October 11, 2007 On Wednesday, October 4, a group of 12 patrons from the Pennsylvania Chapter left the United States for a tour of Sorrento, followed by a chapter visit to Rome. While in Sorrento, they toured the breathtaking Amalfi Coast with time for sightseeing, shopping, and delicious meals. Activities included a cooking class at the Esperdi Resort, a wonderful concert of Italian music, and a cocktail party at the Grand Hotel Excelsior. During the cocktail, a rain storm rolled in with a force that no one will ever forget! Then it was off to the Eternal City of Rome for a whirlwind visit that started with Mass and then a reception on the rooftop of the Grand Hotel de la Minerve. The group was joined by staff from our Vatican office which included Fr. Mark, Romina, Sara, and Gabriella. The next day, the group toured the Domus Sancta Martha Chapel of the Holy Spirit. The chapel was designed by Pittsburgh architect Lou Astorino who had spoken to the Pennsylvania Chapter of his experiences creating this beautiful and unique chapel. Understanding his intentions heightened their anticipation for and then enjoyment of the Chapel. The incorporation of the Trinity, with the use of triangles in the architecture, left the group awestruck and with a deep spiritual impression. The chapter toured the restoration labs where they were able to see projects currently being restored, but especially the progress of a project currently being restored by Chris and Rick Zappone, the “Madonna del Latte”. The group was given a history of the project by Dr. Nesselrath, Director of Restorers. He explained the restoration process of this painting, especially the research being done, based on the ornamentation on the clothing, to find out who might have painted it. It was very interesting and insightful to find the amount of time, effort and research involved in restoring a single piece of art so that it would be available to future generations of art lovers. The group then had lunch at the Casina of Pio IV in the Vatican Gardens. After a free afternoon, the group had Mass in the Chapel of the Governatorato, followed by a tour of the Sistine Chapel and the Room of Tears, and a black tie dinner in the Room of Caravaggio. The Pennsylvania Patrons were joined by staff from our Vatican office and the Vatican Museums. On Wednesday, the group went to the Papal Audience and later that day, to a reception at Ambassador’s Rooney’s residence hosted by the Charge de’Affaires. On their last day in Rome, the Pennsylvania Patrons visited the Gardens of Ninfa, a legendary Italian Garden located south-east of Rome. This beautiful garden was created by the Caetani family and involved the use of many varieties of plants that created the look of a very informal garden that invoked all the senses, especially the many sounds of flowing water. The Pennsylvania Patrons thank everyone who was involved in making this trip so memorable and spiritual. We can’t wait to get back.